Amanda Ross and William Wordsworth were last year's CCI 1* winners. This year Amanda is not only riding in the CCI 1* on Loxley but will also demonstrate her polo skills!
This year’s Melbourne International 3 Day Event is shaping up to be bigger than ever for shoppers, spectators and riders.
Last year the Melbourne 3DE organising committee confronted the vagaries of June weather at the exposed venue of Werribee Park, just outside of Melbourne. Although there is not much they can do about conditions for the spectators on cross country day the showjumping and dressage phases are already held indoors so they decided to create a large indoor Winter Trade Village spreading out from the main Indoor Arena.
This year the layout has been replicated but even bigger. A large enclosed area will run from the old stable block to the main indoor arena which, with heating and raised flooring, will keep spectators and shoppers warm and dry. It also provides everyone with a focal meeting and gathering point around the trade stands and food court.
The riders also have their own area this year – the Riders’ Retreat. Located at the end of the Administration Buildings the Riders’ Retreat provides competitors with a warm and comfy spot to relax.
James Deacon is one of the supporters of the Riders’ Retreat. James’ company Logan Floats is sponsoring the CCI 2* class and, as Olympic rider Megan Jones’ fiancé, knows all about rider requirements at competitions.
“It’s fine for Megan and some of the guys who have the big trucks but there are plenty of competitors there who will be in tents or floats and need a place to relax, away from the weather. The Riders’ Retreat will have couches, TV’s, heaters and will be a good hangout spot for all levels of competitor at the event”
The other thing James knows about is DJ music. Anyone who has passed the Megan Jones Eventing Team truck at warmer events will have seen the DJ equipment James sets up for relaxing after a big day of cross country. This year he has helped to sponsor a London based DJ, Alex Seville, to be the guest DJ at the Melbourne 3DE Saturday night cocktail party so no doubt it is going to be a big night!
The disco won’t start until after the Polo Masterclass to be held at 7pm in the Main Indoor Arena. Guests at the cocktail party as well as the general public will be able to learn about the basics of polo from experts Matt and Luke O’Leary of the Victorian Polo Academy (also based at Werribee Park). The O’Leary boys will be joined by Barry Deacon, Greg Browne and special guests, Olympians Megan Jones and Amanda Ross demonstrating their polo skills! Hopefully no injuries will be incurred before cross country on Sunday when they are both competing in the CCI 1* and Megan is also in the special CNC Olympic class.
Next year there will be a new model of Logan Float available – called (no surprise here!) the Megan Jones! It will be announced at this year’s event and raffle tickets will be sold during the next 12 months to win the new model at next year’s Melbourne 3DE. The raffle is in aid of Melbourne 3 Day Event so make sure you drop by the Logan Float stand to buy a ticket
And just in case you’re wondering what to buy at the Winter Trade Village, here’s a list of the trade stands;
All Buttoned Up Jewellery
Anky Australia
Antares Australia
Australian College of Animal Tactile Therapy
Bates Saddles
Birds Equisports
BSM Sport Equestrian
Chaballo
Dressage Selections
EFO – Equestrian Fashion Outlet
EJ&Co Equestrian Jewellry
Equestrian Life
Equibelle Animal Essentials
Equissage Therapy
Fat Pony Equestrian Apparel
Flexible Fit
Giddy Up to Africa
Gift Horse
Grace Park/The Paddock Cleaner Range
Greystone Vaccuums
Hamag
Horse in the Box
Horseland
Hygain Feeds
Kalarose Equestrian Wear
Lachaby Farm Equestrian Wear
Logan Floats Australia
Mark Todd Australia
Overflow Equestrian
Southern Stars Saddlery
Spooks Riding
The 10 Minute Box
The Dancing Horse
The Riders Shoppe
Valleyhorsewear
Waterboy Wash
Yeramba Equestrian
Don't forget to pick up your copy of An Eventful Life from Bird's Equisports and get it signed by the riders
